The Things You Can Control vs. The Things You Can’t

As human beings, we like to be in control of every aspect of our lives. It’s normal for us to want to have a grip on everything that’s going on around us and to try make it this way or that way.

There are things we can control, such as our attitude, our actions, and our priorities. That being said, there are also things we have no control over, that we have to give to God and trust with Him instead.

Things You Can Control

Your attitude.

Although this can be one of the hardest things to control, your attitude can affect the people around you, your mindset, and your perspective. You don’t always have to vocalize any time something is annoying you or anytime you’re in a bad mood. Using your attitude to make a situation better or to motivate others to do the same is an easy way to turn a bad day around!

Your actions.

Along with your attitude, you can also control your actions. Actions speak so much louder than words and they can represent who you are as a person. Your true self is shown through how you treat your friends, family, and those around you.

Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Through our actions, we can witness to those who may not yet know Jesus!

Your priorities.

Throughout life, your priorities are constantly going to change. One year, your top priority could be your new job, followed by the new person your dating or your social life. I’ve realized that when I’m not prioritizing God first, I fall behind in so many other areas of my life, as well.

Things You Can’t Control

Time.

As much as we want to have control over the timing in our life, most of the time we can’t. Acts 1:7 says, “He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” It’s not our responsibility to pick when things do or don’t happen in our lives. We need to give up our grip over the things we can’t control, especially when God already has His perfect timing!

The future.

I think this is the thing most people struggle with trying to control. It’s something that can terrify you if you let it. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

If we put all our trust in Jesus Christ, we have no reason to worry about our future, for his plans are only to prosper us and give us hope and security. We don’t have to control our future, especially when our heavenly father already does that for us!

Other people.

Although we can’t control the actions of other people, we can control who we surround ourselves with. If someone is draining and discouraging to be around, replace them with someone who builds you up and encourages you! People that push you to be a better person in Christ are the people you want in your life!

If you’re one that struggles with this, start deciding what in your life is out of your control. Take it day by day, and focus on the things you can change, instead of the things you can’t!